Spring is the Best Time to Spot Reptiles in the UK - And This is How to Find Them By Liverpool Hope University
Merseyside is home to several fascinating species of reptiles - and here’s everything you need to know about spotting and protecting them.
A
report published in the scientific journal Nature[1] warned that around a fifth of all the world’s reptiles are threatened with extinction..
The study - which took 15 years to complete - reveals how at least 1,829 of the 10,196 reptile species are now at risk. Agriculture, logging, urban development and invasive species are cited as the biggest dangers posed to reptiles. And Reverend Paul Rooney, Senior Lecturer in Geography & Environmental Science at Liverpool Hope University, says that the concerning global picture is mirrored at a local level here in Merseyside, too. But the good news is that this time of year is the perfect opportunity to spot what remains of the region’s adder, common lizard, grass snake or sand lizard populations. Rev Rooney also has hints and tips about how to spot them and where you might find them: 148
LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE
WHY ARE REPTILES UNDER THREAT HERE IN THE UK? Rev Rooney: “Unfortunately, the global picture revealed by this new reptile study is reflected in the UK on a national, regional and local scale. The main historical drivers behind this unfortunate change is direct habitat loss and then deterioration and fragmentation of the remaining habitats. If you look back, historically, there were huge areas of peat bog extending from Martin Mere in Lancashire down to north Liverpool, west Lancashire and Knowsley, and then in a big sweep right across to Manchester. But from the 17th century onwards these areas were drained for agricultural purposes. And it’s the loss of our amazing areas of wetland that has really taken its toll on Merseyside’s population of reptiles, particularly snakes. Fortunately, organisations like the Wildlife Trust are working hard to buy up land to restore patches of wetland and this is an important step in the right direction.” BE DISCRETE “I can’t tell you precisely where to find these reptiles - this is a closely-guarded secret and sadly necessary in order www.lancmag.com
